A devastating explosion in a firecracker storage godown on Dhunva Road in Deesa, Banaskantha district, Gujarat, claimed 21 lives and left six others injured on Tuesday morning. A forensic investigation has confirmed that aluminium powder, a key ingredient in firecrackers, was responsible for the massive explosion and subsequent blaze.
Image Source: ANI
The blast, caused by a boiler explosion, triggered a fire that led to the roof's collapse, trapping workers inside. Authorities later revealed that the factory's application for licence renewal had been rejected in December after a police inspection found a complete lack of safety measures.
In addition to aluminium powder, a team from the forensic science laboratory (FSL) also discovered yellow dextrin powder at the warehouse where the firecrackers were stored, Banaskantha Superintendent of Police Akshayraj Makwana informed reporters.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences, stating, "Deeply saddened by the loss of lives in the explosion at a firecracker factory in Banaskantha, Gujarat. Condolences to those who lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. The local administration is assisting those affected. An ex-gratia of INR 2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given INR 50,000."
While acknowledging that both substances are commonly used in firecracker manufacturing, Makwana stated that a thorough investigation is underway to determine whether firecrackers were being produced at the facility. Tragically, several workers residing on the premises lost their lives when large sections of the reinforced concrete roof collapsed on them, officials reported. Additionally, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel announced an ex-gratia payment of INR 4 lakh for the families of the deceased and INR 50,000 for the injured.
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